Petr Cech last night dedicated his match-winning Carling Cup display to his wife and new baby.

The Chelsea goalkeeper flew home to the Czech Republic by private jet straight after the 1-0 win at Goodison Park after missing the birth of Adela at 6.19am on Wednesday.

And though he got only three hours sleep the night before the semi-final second leg with Everton, Cech said he was inspired to a series of stunning saves by his wife Martina and new daughter.

"My last 24 hours have been unbelievable," admitted the 25-year-old.

"Ahead of the game I was asleep well before midnight, but then I got a call from my wife at 1am to tell me the baby was coming.

"From that moment until the morning I was awake. I was kept informed of how my wife was doing, when the baby was born and then there were many phone calls from my family.

"I was concerned that my wife was okay, and then I realised it was 7.30am in the morning.

"I realised I had an important game so I tried to get some sleep. But with all my emotions it was hard to sleep.

"I was exhausted at the start of the game. I was thinking not to play but I thought: 'Oh no, I must for my wife, for my team and for everyone.' "I kept a clean sheet and played a good game, it was one of the best days of my life.

"I am so proud of my wife and the emotions helped. I wanted to have a clean sheet for her and the baby girl and that drove me through the game. It was unbelievable.

"I dedicate the victory to my daughter but especially to my wife because she did all the hard work."

Cech will return to the UK in time to play in tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round tie at Wigan as Chelsea continue their pursuit of a quadruple.

"Winning all four competitions is possible - Chelsea are the team to fear now," he said. "We have people missing at the Africa Cup of Nations, important players are injured and we are using all the squad.

"It is great to know that everyone here has the quality and that we can keep playing well and winning. Imagine when everyone comes back.

"With everything that has happened this season, we have got through with great character and hope we can keep going like that right until the end."